Oxygen (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Revision Note

Alexandra Brennan

Written by: Alexandra Brennan

Reviewed by: Stewart Hird

Test for Oxygen

  • The test for oxygen consists of placing a glowing splint inside a test tube of gas

  • If the gas is oxygen, the splint will relight

Testing for oxygen gas

The diagram shows a glowing splint being added to a test-tube of oxygen, and the spling relights to confirm the presence of oxygen
A glowing splint will relight in the presence of oxygen

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Sometimes the splint does not relight, but it glows very brightly, which is also a positive result. In an exam, however, it is best to state it relights the glowing splint.

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Alexandra Brennan

Author: Alexandra Brennan

Expertise: Chemistry

Alex studied Biochemistry at Newcastle University before embarking upon a career in teaching. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience, Alex has had several roles including Chemistry/Science Teacher, Head of Science and Examiner for AQA and Edexcel. Alex’s passion for creating engaging content that enables students to succeed in exams drove her to pursue a career outside of the classroom at SME.

Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.